Grand Canyon rangers have seen an uptick in the number of rescues this fall and are asking hikers to be smart and know their limits.
Rangers have responded to 51 Search and Rescues in the last month. More than half of them required helicopter evacuations.
The Canyon has seen an increase in rim-to-rim hikers in recent years, who sometimes misjudge their abilities or fail to consider that it’s still 100 degrees at the bottom of the Canyon.
Joelle Baird, a spokeswoman with Grand Canyon National Park, said rangers are asking hikers to be self reliant as much as possible.
“Our rangers are thinly staffed across the Canyon, and they might be working on something, or with a patient that’s a higher priority,” Baird said.
The park reminds hikers that cell phone coverage in the Canyon is spotty, and getting in good shape for hiking the Canyon is critical.
Rangers have assisted more than 216 hikers at the Grand Canyon in the last month and have carried out 37 helicopter evacuations.
“You know Search and Rescue might not be an option. We’re asking visitors to be self reliant and be prepared to self rescue if needed,” Baird said.
